Basemakers

Summer time is "prime time" for many CPG categories... 🥤 For beverage, higher temperatures result in more consumption. 🍦 For ice cream, its peak season! Nothing better than a cold ice cream on a hot day. 🍿 For salty snacks, summer parties (Memorial Day, 4th of July & Labor Day) need appetizers for guests. Love to see the team getting after it for our brand partners this summer. Excellent execution by the Basemakers team for The Good Crisp Company!

We are ALL in SALES... We might not all be directly selling a product or service for our job, but we all sell our ideas to help achieve our goals. Whether we are: -Influencing our boss for a higher raise -Persuading our spouse on our idea -Selling a product to a retailer -Asking someone out on a date We all use persuasive communication to get to "Yes" & therefore we sell. If there is one main subject I've dedicated the most time in my life to studying, it would be sales. Here are some books I'd recommend checking out this summer to pick up some new insights. Note: The binder is from the workshop of the book "Influence by Dr. Robert Cialdini” Fun fact: Met Daniel Pink at this workshop while he was writing "To Sell is Human" - great guy! Always looking for some new books to share at Basemakers - would love any recommendations. Do you have any favorite books on sales, communication or negotiation?

“What’s the best way to drive sales velocity?” This is a question I’m asked many times each year. It’s something our team at Basemakers focuses on for many brands in thousands of stores throughout the US. The answer? Three things: -Availability -Visibility -Brand Advocacy 1️⃣Availability CPG is such a physical business. Grocery managers and distributors deal with thousands of SKUs, so it’s inevitable that there will be out-of-stocks and voids periodically. Ensuring you close voids and work with your distributors to order the right amount of product ahead of promo periods is essential. 2️⃣Visibility Finding ways to disrupt the shopper's path through displays and secondary placements is key. The display above generated hundreds of unit sales throughout the period it was up. 3️⃣Brand Advocacy Brands that actually visit stores and chat with retailers and distributors are able to see what they care about most. Finding win/win solutions to help meet their category goals while boosting your opportunities is what it’s all about. Competing in CPG is brutal, but with the right team and focus, you’ll put your brand in the best place to succeed!

What if your next soda could taste like summer in a can?! Oliver Dixon & Rupert Pugsley made that happen with Something & Nothing | B Corp™. In 2017, they spotted a gap in the market: sophisticated sodas with unique flavors aimed at adults. They were quick to act, creating a brand that now resonates across major cities like London, L.A., and New York. The journey began when Olly (who owned a pub) wanted a break from alcohol without settling for the usual bland alternatives. The idea? Sodas made from natural ingredients, free from added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Teaming up with Rupert, they developed a lineup of unique flavors like yuzu, cucumber, and hibiscus rose. Their products quickly earned tasting awards for their quality! Despite early challenges, including exploding cans and logistical errors, their determination never wavered. Olly’s philosophy kept them grounded: "Don’t take your work too seriously—there are more important things in life." Today, Something & Nothing continues to innovate, adding a wine Spitz to their lineup of products. Something & Nothing's growth proves that creativity & quality can crave a path to winning on shelf. Proud to help retail execution for Something & Nothing with the Basemakers team!

ROAR Organic is making waves & quenching thirsts, one vibrant bottle at a time! Love bringing more organic hydration to stores when their shoppers crave it the most this summer. Elite display execution by Basemakers team member Ryon!

ROAR Organic is refreshing shoppers across the US this summer! Love to see the team utilizing unique POS to frame the brand. The inflatable ROAR float helps grab attention from 20+ feet away. Great work by the Basemakers team!

Honey Stinger is turning Nature’s Gold into Athletic Fuel! Here's their story: In the town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Bill Gamber and his father had an idea. Both avid beekeepers, they teamed up with friends to transform honey, nature’s powerhouse, into a CPG brand focused on fueling athletes. This was the birth of Honey Stinger. Starting as a small operation, Honey Stinger tapped into the community’s passion for outdoor sports. They aligned its products with the needs of cyclists, runners, and other athletes who craved natural, healthy fuel. The company's growth trajectory is compelling: expanding its offerings while maintaining a deep commitment to quality and natural ingredients. As they company scaled, they partnered with Factory to take the brand to the next level. Today, Honey Stinger continues to energize athletes across the globe, all while sticking to its roots— leveraging the power of honey. Proud to help fuel the brand with displays across the US with Basemakers!

Hu achieved what Elon Musk didn't believe was possible... Here's the backstory: Elon Musk, disappointed by Warren Buffett's decision not to invest in Tesla, ventured into an unexpected territory—chocolate. Musk aimed to surpass the quality of See's Candies, exploring ways to create a product that was exponentially better. However, he eventually concluded that achieving a truly differentiated product in the chocolate industry was beyond reach. Enter Hu... Undeterred by the industry's giants, Hu emerged with a razor-sharp focus on clean ingredients and exceptional flavor. Their approach, from the natural brown packaging to their innovative nut butter stuffed chocolate bars, was meticulously crafted. This commitment to quality quickly built a devoted fan base, ultimately leading to a strategic acquisition by Mondelez. Today, Hu proudly stands as the #1 selling chocolate bar in Whole Foods! Love to see the continued retail execution by the Basemakers team. Here's to turning obstacles into opportunities!

Our team is expanding! 🌟 Exciting opportunities await you at Basemakers. Currently seeking candidates for the Territory Field Sales Representative position in Chicago, North Suburbs. Join us and be part of our dynamic team! #hiring #sales #Chicago #jobopportunity Multiple positions also available.

CLEAN Cause donates 50% of profits to fund sober living! Here is their story: Founded in 2015, Clean Cause emerged from a personal mission to combat alcohol and drug addiction, a challenge that touches millions of lives. The Austin-based beverage company is known for its organic sparkling yerba mate drinks, but its core mission transcends the typical business model: Dedicating 50% of profits to fund sober living scholarships. The idea was sparked by the founder's (Wes Hurt) own experiences and desire to create meaningful change. Clean Cause was established not only to offer a healthier energy drink but also to provide a steady stream of support for individuals in recovery. Navigating the complexities of a startup, Clean Cause faced the usual hurdles—from securing funding to refining their product and scaling operations. Despite these challenges, the commitment to their cause has always remained at the forefront, fueled by community support and the tangible impact of their contributions. To date, Clean Cause has awarded over 2,000 sober living scholarships! The company continues to grow, driven by a community that values both what they consume and the chance to contribute to a greater good. With every purchase, Clean Cause not only refreshes but also helps pave the path to recovery for many. Love to help support Clean Cause in their journey to create positive change by helping build sales velocity in the field. Great display execution by the Basemakers team!